I would take your time and get quotes and research your choice thoroughly while you have time. It is much better to take you time making the decision rather than be in a crisis with no heat or air.

I'm in northern Michigan and my experience with heat pumps is minimal, although grund water heat pumps are becoming ever more popular. I do know that for furnaces the ARRA tax credit stipulates that it is a credit of 30% of the entire installation up to a cap of $1,500.00 for an upgrade to a unit with an AFUE of 95% or better. When it comes to government stuff .... it's always best to make sure you're in the clear. More than likely, even this being the case, if you're in an area where heat pumps are the norm, a high efficiency heat pump (not sure of the SEER requirments) will take you up to the cap. Check it out with your tax man first to make sure. But on an 18 yr. old heat pump that's struggling, if it'll work out for you - I'd go for it!

carl

as I have stated in previous posts, today's heat pumps are as different as nite and day to older models especially one from the early 90s. for your area/climate, a modern heat pump should be fine where nat gas is not available.

as you know, the HVAC tax credit is scheduled to expire in 2010 unless extended.

for me, the answer to your question is a no-brainer.

and I suggest you use the "search function" to look up your old threads and posts and re-read them.

IMO
Good Luck!

You will get a tremendously better deal if you are in no hurry to purchase then if your in a bind and need to replace. Let the people giving you estimates know that.
Taking advantage of the 30% tax credit really sweetens the deal.

Thats what I did. My 17 year old 12 seer A/C was just fine. But I decided to replace it with a heat pump and now I have a fancy and extra efficient dual-fuel system while taking advantage of the tax credit.